Targets for breeding in a suckler herd

Teagasc and Munster AI held a suckler event at Skibbereen mart on Thursday.

The event kicked off with a presentation on breeding index requirements for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) by Ross Evans from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). This was followed by a presentation on the carbon navigator by Michael Connolly. Billy Kelleher, Teagasc Cork west regional manager, stressed the importance of this in future as it was becoming more of a requirement for international beef buyers.

Vet Kevin O’Sullivan of Glasslyn veterinary clinic, Bandon, on the use of AI in the suckler herd:

Targets for breeding in a suckler herd:

Kevin pointed out that ovaries will begin to function in dairy cows from 26 days after calving while in a beef cow this period can be 55 days in most cows and up to 180 days in a thin cow.

There are numerous factors in this difference, principal among them the maternal bond developed between a cow and her calf. By separating the cow and calf for a period of time during the day this can be broken.

After-calving nutrition is not as important as pre-calving nutrition. Kevin listed the required body condition scores. He also reminded farmers that replacement heifers need higher protein in their diet as it aids growth whereas increased energy in the diet puts on fat.

Rose Goulding of the National Cattle Breeding Centre reassured farmers that they have plenty time to breed their own replacements to comply with the BDGP scheme if they wish. Her presentation covered how to achieve suitable replacements using the breeding indices and will be featured in more detail at a later date. Eustace Burke of Munster AI said that technicians require a safe place in which to work and this would make the AI process easier on all involved. The evening finished off with a live cow demonstration of high maternal index cows.